US Says It Struck Suspected Drug Vessel Off Venezuela

President Donald Trump announced at a Navy 250th anniversary event that U.S. forces struck a vessel suspected of carrying illegal drugs off Venezuela and warned the U.S. would target drug‑trafficking operations on land if smugglers shift routes. He spoke at Naval Station Norfolk beside the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman; it was unclear whether he was referring to a strike Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had announced earlier, and Hegseth said he had authorization to conduct Caribbean strikes. The administration said the action was the fourth in a campaign against fast boats tied to narco‑trafficking and said the operation intercepted a large shipment and reportedly killed four people; the White House posted video of the attack. Venezuela condemned the action, President Nicolás Maduro vowed to defend the country and sought international backing, and Venezuelan officials said Russia’s foreign minister expressed solidarity and Maduro sought the Pope’s help. The announcement came amid domestic political tensions as Trump praised the Navy while criticizing Democrats over a federal government shutdown affecting some military pay.